The Science Forum - Scientific Discussion and Debate  
 
 Live Chat    FAQ    Search    Usergroups
 
Register  ::  Log in Log in to check your private messages
 
Science Forum Forum Index » Physics » OPTICS: Generating Parallel (hard) Light from Diffused Light

  
 OPTICS: Generating Parallel (hard) Light from Diffused Light « View previous topic :: View next topic » 
Author Message
cryptonic26
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:31 pm    Post subject: OPTICS: Generating Parallel (hard) Light from Diffused Light Reply with quote

Forum Freshman
Forum Freshman

Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Posts: 18

I'm trying to find some information regarding the opposite of soft lighting. I believe the term is parallel light, or hard light.... But Google doesn't respond very well to my search terms-- with respect to the information that I am seeking.


To put it simply, I am trying to create a light source where the shadow of any object in front of the source will be hard and sharp (like sunlight shadows), rather than soft and diffused (like fluorescent light shadows).

I prefer to use a soft light source, such as a fluorescent bulb, due to their low cost, even light distribution, and UV properties; However, I'm at a loss to find a source of information regarding the construction of such a lighting device... Any help to be had here? Some terminology correction would be great, some pointers on a common lens apparatus would be ideal. Anything at all would be appreciated!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
KALSTER
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Forum Cosmic Wizard
Forum Cosmic Wizard

Joined: 08 Sep 2007
Posts: 2082
Location: South Africa

Have you searched for fresnel lights? Wink
_________________
"Gullibility kills" - Carl Sagan
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
SteveF
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Forum Bachelors Degree
Forum Bachelors Degree

Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 464
Location: NC USA

Ā 
The normal way is to use a small, intense source of light. Then you send the light through a small aperture and use a simple convex lens to obtain parallel rays.

It can be done, I suppose, using a fluorescent light, but your resultant beam will use only a small fraction of the available light and it will be rather weak. Fluorescent lighting is not a good source for these kind of experiments.

If you use quality detection equipment a weak beam of light may still be adequate.

Ā 
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
cryptonic26
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Forum Freshman
Forum Freshman

Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Posts: 18

thanks for the replies you guys. sorry I havnt responded- been really busy with work.

Anyhow, I'm working on a projector for photo-lithographic processing of photo-emulsion film trough a mask; So weak uv is okay, i'll just have to bump the exposure time significantly.. which is okay if I can get really tight tolerance on the sharpness of the projected mask.


Thanks again
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
   Page 1 of 1

Science Forum Forum Index » Physics » OPTICS: Generating Parallel (hard) Light from Diffused Light
Jump to:  



You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
 
 


Google
 

© 2004-2008 Thescienceforum.com

Sponsored by EnluxLED

Partner Forums
Politics Forum  Radar Detector